Ultrasonic wave generating/transmitting apparatus

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is an ultrasonic generating and transmitting apparatus equipped with a transmission section for transmitting ultrasonic vibration from a vibration section. A plurality of linear members for transmitting ultrasonic vibration and binding plates which bind the linear members in such a state as to be apart from one another are provided. The transmission section is comprised of the linear members and the binding plates.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic generating andtransmitting apparatus suitable for use in destruction of calculi, suchas a biliary calculus and renal calculus, destruction of cells such asof cancer or the like and ultrasonic cleaning or the like.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] An ultrasonic generating and transmitting apparatus of this typeis disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Utility Model Publication No.62-152704 and Japanese Examined Utility Model Publication No. 5-46430.Ultrasonic vibration produced by an ultrasonic vibration section istransmitted via a transmission section which has a plurality of linearmembers bundled. A transmission section comprised of a single linearmember has a small cross-sectional area and has such a shortcoming thatit cannot transfer ultrasonic vibration sufficiently. The structure thatbinds a plurality of linear members together increases thecross-sectional area of the transmission section to be able to overcomethe shortcoming.

[0003] Because each of the apparatuses in Japanese Laid-Open UtilityModel Publication No. 62-152704 and Japanese Examined Utility ModelPublication No. 5-46430 binds a plurality of linear members in such away that adjoining linear members contact each other, however, theadjoining linear members rub each other, thus generating heat.Therefore, a cooling device for preventing heat generation as disclosedin Japanese Laid-Open Utility Model Publication No. 62-152704 becomesessential, thus enlarging the ultrasonic generating and transmittingapparatus. The enlargement of an ultrasonic generating and transmittingapparatus is particularly inconvenient in an ultrasonic treatment deviceor the like which is used by inserting it in a human body.

[0004] The present invention aims at providing an ultrasonic generatingand transmitting apparatus which can suppress heat generation even inthe case where a transmission section is constituted by binding aplurality of linear members.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention is directed to an ultrasonic generating andtransmitting apparatus equipped with a transmission section fortransmitting ultrasonic vibration from a vibration section. According toa preferable embodiment of the present invention, there are provided aplurality of linear members for transmitting ultrasonic vibration, andbinding means for binding the linear members in such a state as to beapart from one another, and the transmission section is comprised ofthose linear members and binding means. As the plural linear membersbound are separated from one another, heat generation between adjoininglinear members which are transmitting ultrasonic vibration is avoided.

[0006] According to another embodiment of the present invention, anultrasonic generating and transmitting apparatus is equipped with avibration section for generating ultrasonic, an insert tube coupled tothe vibration section and an operational section which is located at adistal end of the insert tube and to which ultrasonic vibration istransmitted. The insert tube has a plurality of linear members, aplurality of binding plates for binding the plurality of linear membersand a protection cover for covering around the plurality of linearmembers and the plurality of binding plates. Even such an embodimentaffords operational advantages similar to those of the aforementionedembodiment. Further, the protection cover prevents the vibrationportions of the other linear members than the distal end portions fromcontacting something other than the ultrasonic generating andtransmitting apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007]FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view with an enlargedcross-sectional view of essential portions and a graph incorporated,showing a first embodiment of an ultrasonic generating and transmittingapparatus.

[0008]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 2-2 in FIG.1.

[0009]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a binding plate.

[0010]FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of essential portionsshowing a second embodiment of an ultrasonic generating and transmittingapparatus.

[0011]FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view with an enlargedcross-sectional view of essential portions and a graph incorporated,showing a third embodiment of an ultrasonic generating and transmittingapparatus.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0012] A first embodiment of an ultrasonic generating and transmittingapparatus embodying the present invention will be described below basedon FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 shows an ultrasonic generating and transmittingapparatus 10 with a structure suitable for an ultrasonic treatmentdevice. The ultrasonic generating and transmitting apparatus 10comprises a vibration section 11 which generates ultrasonic and aninsert tube 12 coupled to the vibration section 11.

[0013] The vibration section 11 has a vibrator 13 which oscillates withthe supply of an electric signal, and a conical horn 14 linked to thevibrator 13. A Langevin vibrator, for example, is used in the vibrationsection 11. The horn 14 amplifies ultrasonic vibration produced by thevibrator 13.

[0014] The insert tube 12 comprises a plurality of linear members 15with a single core shape, a plurality of disk-like binding plates 16which bind the plural linear members 15, an operational section 17coupled to the distal end portions of the plural linear members 15, anda protection cover 18 which covers around the plural linear members 15and the plural binding plates 16. The linear members 15 with a circularcross section transmit ultrasonic vibration, amplified by the horn 14,to the operational section 17. The operational section 17, to which theultrasonic vibration has been transmitted via the plural linear members15, is used for incision and lithotripsy of an affected part in contactwith it.

[0015] The linear members 15 are made of a material which has a goodultrasonic vibration transmission efficiency and is easily bendable. Asuitable material for the linear members 15 is, for example, stainlesssteel, titanium alloy or elastic alloy or the like. A material for thebinding plates 16 is a light and very strong material, for example, amagnesium metal or a metal essentially consisting of magnesium.Hereinafter, those metals are called magnesium-based metals. Theprotection cover 18 is formed of an easily bendable elastic material,for example, a synthetic resin.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of support holes 161 whichpenetrate through the binding plate 16 are formed in the binding plate16 in such a way as to be separated from one another. The individualsupport holes 161 with a circular cross section are laid out on a pairof concentric circles (not shown) that have the same center as thecenter of the disk-like binding plate 16. The individual support holes161 are laid out on the respective circles at equidistances. As shown inFIG. 2, the linear members 15 are merely inserted into the respectivesupport holes 161 without being secured there. In the illustratedexample, a support hole is not provided in the centers of the circles,nor is a linear member 15 inserted there, but a linear member 15 may beinserted in a support hole which may be provided in the centers of thecircles.

[0017] The proximal end portions of the individual linear members 15 arecoupled, by welding, to the distal end portion of the horn 14 where thestress is the smallest. That is, the middle portions of the plurallinear members 15 are bound by the binding plates 16 in such a way as tobe separated from one another, and both ends of the plural linearmembers 15 are bound by the horn 14 and the operational section 17 insuch a way as to be separated from each other.

[0018] A curve E shown in FIG. 1 represents the distribution curve ofthe ultrasonic vibration amplitude caused by the oscillation of thevibrator 13, and a curve D represents the distribution curve of stress.A point E1 in the curve E is the position of a vibratory node (a portionwhere the curve crosses the horizontal line) of the ultrasonic vibrationamplitude and a point E2 in the curve E is the position of a vibratoryloop (a portion where the vertical line from the peak or trough of thecurve crosses the horizontal axis) of the ultrasonic vibrationamplitude. The coupled portion of the horn 14 and the linear members 15is so set as to correspond to the vibratory loop E2 of the ultrasonicvibration amplitude and the coupled portion of the operational section17 and the linear members 15 is so set as to correspond to the vibratoryloop E2 of the ultrasonic vibration amplitude. That is, when thevibrator 13 oscillates, a standing wave indicated by a curve E isgenerated in the linear members 15.

[0019] The binding plate 16 binds the plural linear members 15 at theposition of the vibratory node El of the ultrasonic vibration amplitude.The thickness center of the binding plate 16 coincides with the positionof the vibratory node E1 of the ultrasonic vibration amplitude. In theembodiment, the binding plates 16 are laid out at the positions of allthe vibratory nodes E1 of the ultrasonic vibration amplitude in thelengthwise range of the linear members 15. The protection cover 18 iscoupled to the surfaces of the binding plates 16 that bind the plurallinear members 15, apart from one another, at the vibratory nodes E1, sothat the protection cover 18 does not contact the linear members 15 evenin the case where the insert tube 12 is bent.

[0020] The first embodiment has the following advantages.

[0021] (1-1) The plural linear members 15 bound by the binding plates 16or binding means are separated from one another. Therefore, the linearmembers 15 which transmit ultrasonic vibration do not rub against oneanother, so that heat originated from rubbing of the linear members 15is not generated. Such avoidance of heat generation eliminates the needfor cooling means for cooling the insert tube 12 that becomes atransmission section for transmitting ultrasonic vibration from thevibration section 11. Therefore, the problem that the use of the coolingmeans enlarges the ultrasonic generating and transmitting apparatus isovercome.

[0022] (1-2) The linear members 15 do not vibrate at the vibratory nodeE1 of the ultrasonic vibration amplitude. Therefore, rubbing hardlyoccurs between the binding plate 16 that binds the linear members 15,without fixing them, at the vibratory node E1 of the ultrasonicvibration amplitude and the linear members 15. Therefore, heatgeneration caused by rubbing between the binding plate 16 and the linearmembers 15 is suppressed.

[0023] (1-3) In the case where a plurality of linear members 15 arebound at the vibratory loop E2 of the ultrasonic vibration amplitude asin the apparatus of Japanese Examined Utility Model Publication No.5-46430, the cross-sectional area at the binding portion or thevibratory loop that vibrates increases, making it complex to compute theproper cross-sectional area at this binding portion (calculation of aboundary condition). Such complication of calculation makes the designof the apparatus hard. In the embodiment in which the plural linearmembers 15 are-bound at the vibratory node E1 of the ultrasonicvibration amplitude where there is no vibration of the ultrasonicvibration amplitude, it is unnecessary to calculate the cross-sectionalarea of the binding plate 16 (the area of the cross section shown inFIG. 2) as the boundary condition in the aforementioned sense. Thedesign of the apparatus therefore becomes simpler as compared with theapparatus of Japanese Examined Utility Model Publication No. 5-46430.

[0024] (1-4) Because the layout position of the binding plate 16 ascontact inhibition means corresponds to the vibratory node E1 of theultrasonic vibration amplitude, the vibration of the linear members 15is not transmitted to the protection cover 18. Therefore, the protectioncover 18 can achieve its intended role of preventing the vibrationportions of other portions of the linear members 15.than the distal endportions from contacting anything other than the ultrasonic generatingand transmitting apparatus 10.

[0025] (1-5) In the case where an affected portion is incised orsubjected to lithotripsy using the apparatus of Japanese ExaminedUtility Model Publication No. 5-46430, the insert tube may be bent toreach the affected part. In the case where the apparatus of JapaneseUtility Model Publication No. Hei 5-46430 is bent, however, the bindingportion that binds a plurality of linear members is likely to contactthe protection cover. As the binding portion is at the position of thevibratory loop of the ultrasonic vibration amplitude, there arises aproblem such that the protection cover that is in contact with thebinding portion is worn out or is melted by heat.

[0026] In the present embodiment, the protection cover 18 is supportedin such a way as to be apart from any linear member 15 by the bindingplates 16 laid out in association with all the vibratory nodes E1 of theultrasonic vibration amplitude in the lengthwise range of the linearmembers 15. That is, every vibratory loop E2 of the ultrasonic vibrationamplitude in the lengthwise range of the linear members 15, excludingboth end portions of the linear members 15, is positioned betweenadjoining binding plates 16. Even in the case where the insert tube 12is bent, therefore, it becomes less likely that the vibratory loop E2 ofthe ultrasonic vibration amplitude contacts the protection cover 18.That is, as the protection cover 18 is supported in such a way as to beapart from the linear members 15 by the binding plates 16 laid out atthe vibratory nodes E1 of the ultrasonic vibration amplitude, it ispossible to increase the bending allowance of the insert tube 12 in therange where the linear members 15 do not contact the protection cover18.

[0027] (1-6) It is easy to form the binding plate 16 having the supportholes 161 for insertion of the linear members 15. The binding plate 16which permits the plural linear members 15 to be inserted apart from oneanother is simple as binding means that binds the plural linear members15 in such a way as to be apart from one another.

[0028] (1-7) The ultrasonic generating and transmitting apparatus with astructure suitable for an ultrasonic treatment device requires to belighter from the viewpoint of the operability. A magnesium-based metalwhich is light and very strong is suitable as the material for thebinding plates 16.

[0029] A second embodiment of the present invention will now bediscussed referring to FIG. 4. Same symbols are used for the samestructural portions as those of the first embodiment.

[0030] Funnel-like tapers 162 and 163 are provided at each opening ofthe support hole 161 of the binding plate 16. Given that the thicknessof the binding plate 16 is the same as that of the first embodiment,therefore, the contact range of the binding plate 16 with respect to thelinear members 15 becomes shorter than that of the first embodiment. Inthis embodiment, the thickness center of the binding plate 16 is made tocoincide with the position of the vibratory node E1 of the ultrasonicvibration amplitude. Therefore, the length Δ (shown in FIG. 4) by whichthe contact portion of the linear member 15 and the binding plate 16 isdeviated most from the position of the vibratory node E1 of theultrasonic vibration amplitude becomes shorter than that of the firstembodiment. The degree of friction between the linear members 15 whichare vibrating and the binding plate 16 becomes larger, increasing thepossible occurrence of heat generation and wear-out, as the deviationlength Δ becomes greater. Therefore, the shorter the deviation length Δis, the better it is, and the tapers 162 and 163 are simple means toshorten the deviation length Δ.

[0031] A third embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 5 willbe discussed next. Same symbols are used for the same structuralportions as those of the first embodiment.

[0032] A binding plate 16A of a magnesium-based metal in this embodimentis laid out in association with the vibratory loop E2 of the ultrasonicvibration amplitude. The linear members 15 and the binding plate 16A aresecured in the support holes 161 by welding. The protection cover 18 iscoupled to the outer surface of a support ring 19 of a magnesium-basedmetal placed at the position of the vibratory node E1 of the ultrasonicvibration amplitude. All the linear members 15 are inserted inside thesupport ring 19. The binding plate 16A or binding means is separatedfrom the protection cover 18.

[0033] The third embodiment affords the same advantages as those in(1-1), (1-6) and (1-7) of the first embodiment. The support ring 19serves to prevent the contact between the linear members 15 and theprotection cover 18. Although the inner surface of the support ring 19which is contact inhibition means contacts some linear members 15, thelayout position of the support ring 19 corresponds to the vibratory nodeE1 of the ultrasonic vibration amplitude so that the vibration of thelinear members 15 is not transmitted to the protection cover 18.Therefore, the support ring 19 brings about the same advantage as thatin (1-4) of the first embodiment. Further, the support ring 19 increasesthe bending allowance of the insert tube 12 in the range where thelinear members 15 do not contact the protection cover 18.

[0034] The present invention may also take the following modes.

[0035] (1) The binding plate 16 is fixed to the linear members 15 bywelding or the like.

[0036] (2) The binding plate 16 is laid out at a position slightlyshifted from the position of the vibratory node E1 of the ultrasonicvibration amplitude.

[0037] (3) The binding plates 16 are intermittently laid out withrespect to the positions of the vibratory nodes E1 of the ultrasonicvibration amplitude in the lengthwise range of the linear members 15.That is, in the case where the protection cover 18 can be made not tocontact the linear members 15 while coping with the demanded easybending of the insert tube 12, the binding plates 16 need not be placedat the positions of all the vibratory nodes E1 of the ultrasonicvibration amplitude in the lengthwise range of the linear members 15.

[0038] (4) The tapers 162 and 163 in the second embodiment may crosseach other so that the binding plate 16 has a line contact with thelinear members 15.

[0039] (5) The binding plates 16, 16A are formed of the same material asthat of the linear members 15.

1. An ultrasonic generating and transmitting apparatus equipped with atransmission section for transmitting ultrasonic vibration from avibration section, comprising: a plurality of linear members fortransmitting ultrasonic vibration; and binding means for binding saidlinear members in such a state as to be apart from one another, saidtransmission section being comprised of the linear members and thebinding means.
 2. The ultrasonic generating and transmitting apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein said binding means binds said linearmembers near vibratory nodes of an ultrasonic vibration amplitude. 3.The ultrasonic generating and transmitting apparatus according to one ofclaims 1 and 2, wherein a protection cover covers around said linearmembers and contact inhibition means for setting said linear membersapart from said protection cover is intervened between said linearmembers and said protection cover.
 4. The ultrasonic generating andtransmitting apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said contactinhibition means serves as said binding means and said protection coveris supported by said binding means in such a way as to be separated fromsaid linear members.
 5. The ultrasonic generating and transmittingapparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said bindingmeans is comprised of binding plates and said linear members areinserted into the binding plates in such a state as to be apart from oneanother.
 6. The ultrasonic generating and transmitting apparatusaccording to claim 5, wherein said linear members are inserted withoutbeing secured to said binding plates.
 7. The ultrasonic generating andtransmitting apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said linear membersare secured to said binding plates.
 8. The ultrasonic generating andtransmitting apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a material for saidbinding plates is a magnesium-based metal.
 9. An ultrasonic generatingand transmitting apparatus equipped with a vibration section forgenerating ultrasonic, an insert tube coupled to the vibration sectionand an operational section which is located at a distal end of theinsert tube and to which ultrasonic vibration is transmitted, saidinsert tube comprising a plurality of linear members, a plurality ofbinding plates for binding the plurality of linear members and aprotection cover for covering around the plurality of linear members andthe plurality of binding plates.
 10. The ultrasonic generating andtransmitting apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said linear membershave a circular cross section.
 11. The ultrasonic generating andtransmitting apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said vibrationsection has a vibrator which oscillates with supply of an electricsignal and a horn coupled to that vibrator, and said horn amplifiesultrasonic vibration produced by said vibrator.
 12. The ultrasonicgenerating and transmitting apparatus according to claim 11, whereinsaid linear members transmit the ultrasonic vibration amplified by saidhorn to said operational section.
 13. The ultrasonic generating andtransmitting apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said binding platesbind said linear members near vibratory nodes of an ultrasonic vibrationamplitude.